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Message type: E = Error
Message class: W- -
Message number: 081
Message text: Date cannot be changed (inconsistent validity periods)
Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.
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W-081
- Date cannot be changed (inconsistent validity periods) ?SAP Error Message:
W-081 Date cannot be changed (inconsistent validity periods)
Cause:
This warning message typically occurs when you try to change a date in a master data record or transaction, but the new date would result in overlapping or inconsistent validity periods for the related data. In SAP, many master data objects (such as vendor master, material master, or condition records) have validity periods defined by start and end dates. The system enforces that these periods do not overlap or contradict each other.
For example, if you try to change the start or end date of a record so that it overlaps with another existing record's validity period, SAP will raise this warning to prevent data inconsistency.
Where it commonly occurs:
SAP uses validity periods to manage time-dependent data. When you maintain or change such data, the system checks that the new date ranges do not overlap with existing ones. Overlapping periods can cause ambiguity in which data is valid at a given time.
Check existing validity periods:
Review all existing records related to the object you are changing. Identify if the new date you want to enter overlaps with any existing validity period.
Adjust dates to avoid overlap:
Modify the start or end dates so that the validity periods are continuous but do not overlap. For example, if one record ends on 31.12.2023, the next record should start on 01.01.2024 or later.
Delete or archive obsolete records:
If there are outdated or duplicate records causing the overlap, consider deleting or archiving them if business processes allow.
Use transaction-specific tools:
Some transactions or master data maintenance screens provide utilities or reports to display validity periods clearly. Use these to analyze and correct the periods.
Consult customizing or business rules:
Sometimes, the validity periods are controlled by business rules or customizing settings. Ensure these are correctly set up and understood.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Cause | Attempt to change a date resulting in overlapping or inconsistent validity periods. |
Effect | SAP prevents the change to maintain data consistency. |
Solution | Adjust validity periods to avoid overlaps; check existing records and correct dates. |
Common Areas | Vendor master, material master, condition records, info records, contracts, etc. |
If you provide the specific transaction or master data object where you encountered this message, I can give more tailored advice.
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